"Risen Lamb Writings"
"Love's Triumph"
During this
season of the Resurrection we are reminded that Jesus invites intercessors to
encounter him in his crucified-resurrected humanity. In him we see what 'death
destroyed, life restored' looks like: "Once I was dead, but now I am alive for
ever and ever" (Rev. 1:18). He is with
us in the glory of a resurrected humanity. He was born for us, died for us, and
rose from the dead for us. He is the "Lord of the new universe" who says,
"Behold, I make all things new" (Rev. 21:5). Intercessors are invited to be
renewed in his presence. Jesus is the complete fulfillment of our lives. All
things, all history converges in him. "He is the mediator--the bridge, if you
will--between heaven and earth" (Pope Paul VI, Nov. 28, 1970: LH, vol.
III,p.419).
Intercessors
must come to know Jesus first of all in the power of his resurrection, so that
we may share in his sufferings. Each of us is invited to come to him with an
"Easter thirst". We are invited to draw near to his wounded side from which the
life-giving flow of blood and water comes forth. His pierced heart is the
wellspring of renewal for intercessors. Here we come to drink deeply of his
love so as to be able to pray for others and offer in union with him. Here we drink
from the secret recesses of the "life-giving stream". Here each of us can say,
"He refreshes my soul" (Ps. 23:3).
Intercessors
are invited to draw near to the wounded side of Jesus from which the Church was
born. This is the font of his love, grace and mercy for the world. As Church we
were born from the "womb" of his wounded heart--the wound of Love--as he slept
the sleep of death on the cross. The Church is the gift of the heart of Jesus.
Here at the "glorified scar" of his wounded heart, intercessors can pray for
the healing of the world's unbelief. For, the world--like St. Thomas-- has
great need today to cry out in an awakened awareness of the truth, "My Lord and
My God" (John 20: 28). The wounded heart of Jesus remains the font of healing
for the wounded heart of the world. Yes, his heart was wounded so that our
hearts could be healed. His heart was wounded for love of us: By his wounds you
have been healed" (1 Pet. 2:24B). All fruitful intercession depends upon our
vital union with Jesus, the Vine. He is the only source of life, the only
access to God. He is the source of an intercessor's identity and fruitfulness.
We must choose to live close to the wound of his victorious, devoted Love! His
pierced heart is the symbol of "Love's triumph". The gift of intercessory
prayer is one expression of the holiness of a life made fruitful by union with
Jesus.
Questions:
1) Where do I need renewal in my life right now?
2) Is there too much busyness and 'running around' in my life
right now?
Scriptures:
Ps. 36:9-10; Is. 12:3-6; Rom. :9-11; Rev. 7:1
